Chapter Six

After school, we all met by the parking lot.

Lulu led the way, and when I saw her car, my mouth dropped a little. It was sleek, shiny, and definitely expensive—something you’d expect a celebrity to step out of. Not a teenager.

“You drive that?” I asked, eyes wide.

Lulu laughed. “Yeah. My parents kind of spoiled me a little.”

Ava snorted. “A little?”

Selena rolled her eyes playfully. “She’s rich, rich. Don’t let the chill vibe fool you.”

I glanced at Lulu again, trying not to show how surprised I was. “How old are you, anyway?”

“Sixteen,” she said with a shrug. “Almost seventeen.”

“Wait, how are you driving already?”

Lulu grinned. “Let’s just say my dad knows people. I’ve had a learner’s permit for a while, and here in this town… rules are kind of flexible.”

I raised my brows, impressed and a little nervous. “Guess I better buckle up, then.”

“Please do,” Selena said with a grin. “You haven’t seen Lulu’s road rage yet.”

Lulu shot her a look. “Do you want a ride or not?”

We all piled into the car—Selena up front, and me and Ava in the back. The leather seats were soft, and the whole car smelled like expensive perfume and bubble gum.

Lulu started the engine, and music filled the car—something chill with a steady beat. As we pulled out of the school parking lot, I stared out the window, still trying to wrap my head around everything. The day had started off nerve-wracking, but now… I was in a car with girls who seemed to like me, heading to the mall like this was normal.

It felt kind of amazing.

Ava turned to me with a smile. “You ready to get spoiled, Lia?”

I laughed softly. “I think I need it.”

Lulu looked at me through the rearview mirror. “Girl, we’re about to change your whole vibe.”

And for once, I didn’t feel scared about it. I felt ready.

We pulled into the parking lot of Rosebridge Galleria, and I swear, my jaw dropped again.

The place was massive—three stories tall, with glass windows that shimmered in the late afternoon sun. There were huge brand signs everywhere: Zara, H&M, Sephora, even a two-story bookstore and a movie theater built into one wing. Crowds of people moved in and out like it was a city on its own.

“Whoa,” I breathed, pressing my face a little closer to the window. “This place is huge.”

“It’s basically our second home,” Ava said proudly.

Selena added, “We know every corner of this place. Trust me, you’re in good hands.”

Lulu parked smoothly in a VIP spot right near the entrance. Of course she had a pass for that. We all hopped out, and just standing in front of the glass doors gave me this fluttery feeling—half nerves, half excitement.

Lulu linked her arm through mine as we walked in. “Let the makeover begin.”

The second we stepped inside, the air changed. It smelled like fresh pretzels, perfume, and new clothes. Music played faintly from stores, and every few feet someone was walking out with shopping bags in hand.

It was nothing like the tiny outlet center back near my old town.

“Where do we start?” I asked, wide-eyed.

“Clothes,” Selena said immediately.

“Shoes,” Ava countered.

“Let’s do both,” Lulu grinned. “We’ve got time, and Lia’s gonna leave here looking like a whole new person.”

And so, we dove in.

They led me straight into this bright, sparkly clothing store called Pretty & Poised. The walls were bubblegum pink, and soft pop music played from hidden speakers. Clothes hung neatly on gold racks—lace tops, ruffled skirts, floral dresses, and all things glittery. It was like walking into a fashion magazine for girls who loved pink and sparkles.

I stood there, a little frozen.

“This is our favorite spot,” Selena said, grabbing a lilac crop top off the rack. “They just got new arrivals in. Look at this!”

Ava held up a short, flowy skirt with little daisies printed all over it. “Lia, this would look so cute on you.”

I gave a small smile, but inside, I wasn’t so sure.

I’d never really been into girly clothes. Not because I hated them—but maybe because I never had the chance. Aunt May always said I shouldn’t show “too much.” Especially not my neck or shoulders. I never asked why. I just… listened.

Maybe that’s why I’m like this, I thought to myself. Not really knowing what I like. Just going with whatever feels safe.

Lulu noticed the look on my face. “You okay?”

I nodded quickly. “Yeah. I just… I’ve never really dressed like this before.”

“Well,” Lulu said gently, “you don’t have to wear anything you don’t want to. But you should try it. Just to see how you feel.”

Ava nudged me with a grin. “You might surprise yourself.”

Selena handed me a soft pink top with a heart-shaped cutout near the chest. “Come on, try this one. Dressing room’s right there.”

I stared at the top for a second. It was cute—really cute. Not something I’d ever pick for myself, but maybe that was the point.

“Okay,” I said softly. “I’ll try.”

And just like that, I walked into the fitting room, holding pieces of clothing I never thought I’d wear. A tiny part of me felt nervous.

But a bigger part?

It felt curious.

I stepped into the fitting room and shut the curtain behind me. The light above was soft, casting a warm glow over everything, but it didn’t calm the nerves bouncing around in my stomach.

I slipped out of my jorts and turtle neck, pulling on the soft pink crop top first. It had a heart-shaped cutout near the chest, just like Selena showed me. Then the skirt—short, flowy, with little sparkles in the fabric that shimmered when I moved.

I looked at myself in the mirror.

And… I didn’t recognize the girl staring back.

She looked cute, sure. Soft. Girly. Pretty, even.

But she didn’t feel like me.

I tugged the top down, even though it was already as low as it could go. My stomach was showing. My collarbone too. My neck.

Aunt May’s voice rang in my head like a warning bell. “Cover up. No one needs to see all that.”

I never asked why. I just obeyed.

And now, standing here in all this pink, I suddenly felt like I was wearing someone else’s skin.

I didn’t hate it. I just… didn’t feel like myself.

I miss black, I thought quietly. Black felt safe. Strong. It didn’t scream for attention or try too hard. It was simple and bold. Not frilly. Not sparkly.

I took one more look in the mirror, then opened the curtain slowly.

Lulu, Ava, and Selena were all waiting, eyes lighting up when they saw me.

“Oh. My. God,” Ava breathed. “You look so cute!”

“You’re seriously glowing,” Selena added, clapping her hands together.

Lulu tilted her head. “What do you think?”

I hesitated, looking down at myself. The outfit fit. It looked fine. But I still didn’t feel like me.

“I think…” I said slowly, “I like trying something new. But I don’t think this is totally me.”

Lulu smiled gently. “Okay, that’s cool. We want you to feel like you, not just someone else.”

Ava nodded. “Yeah, what do you usually like to wear? What feels right for you?”

I thought for a moment. “Something simple… and that covers my neck.”

Selena smiled softly. “Got it. We’ll find you something cute but not too much skin showing.”

Lulu grinned. “Let’s go to the next store. They have a lot of black clothes and things that’ll fit your style.”

I felt a little relieved. Maybe this makeover wasn’t about changing who I was—it was about finding the best version of me.

Lulu led us out of Pretty & Poised, and we walked to the next store—a place called Urban Edge. It was less pink and sparkly, and more cool and laid-back. Walls were painted dark gray, and racks were filled with hoodies, baggy jeans, and oversized jackets.

“This is more your vibe,” Lulu said, winking at me.

I felt a rush of relief as I scanned the racks. Soft hoodies in black, charcoal, and navy. Stretchy jeans with a relaxed fit. Simple graphic tees with bold fonts but nothing flashy.

Selena and Ava wandered off to grab a few things for themselves, leaving me to pick out what felt right.

I pulled a black hoodie off the rack. It was thick and warm, perfect for chilly days. Then some loose dark jeans with ripped knees. A few plain tees with simple designs. I tried on some clothes in the fitting room, feeling more like myself with every piece.

When I came out, Lulu was smiling wide. “Looks like you found your style.”

I nodded, feeling a small smile creep onto my face.

By the time we were done, I had picked out ten pieces—mostly hoodies, comfy jeans, and a few plain tops. Lulu paid for everything without letting me even reach for my wallet.

“Consider this a welcome gift,” she said, tossing the receipt into the bag. “Welcome to Havens Brook, Lia. You don’t need to worry about a thing.”

Selena and Ava showed off the things they picked too—Selena got some trendy boots and a leather jacket, Ava went for bright sneakers and flowy tops. Everyone was happy, laughing, and excited.

We all left the store, arms full of bags and grinning from ear to ear. The energy between us felt light and easy—like I finally belonged somewhere.

Lulu led the way back to her car. As we slid inside, I felt a little nervous again, but also excited. The ride was quieter this time, just the hum of the engine and soft music playing.

I watched the trees and houses blur past outside, trying to remember the way to my own house. When Lulu asked, “So, where do you live exactly?” I hesitated for a second, trying to explain.

“Dufferfield Road,” I said, hoping it was enough.

She nodded like she already knew. “Got it. I’ll take you there.”

The car rolled smoothly down streets I barely recognized. I wasn’t sure how we got there, but eventually, the familiar sight of my street came into view.

When we pulled up to my house, Lulu turned and smiled. “Hey, do you want to come to the beach with us tomorrow?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “Tomorrow?”

“Yeah,” she said, leaning forward. “We’re skipping school—dawn till dusk. It’s going to be epic.”

My heart skipped, but then I remembered Aunt May’s rules—especially the one about being home before sunset. I hesitated, biting my lip.

“I’ll… see about it,” I said nervously.

Lulu smiled understandingly. “No pressure. Just think about it.”

I nodded, gathering my bags as the car stopped.

“Thanks for today,” I said quietly.

“Anytime, Lia. We’ve got your back.”

I stepped out and watched Lulu drive away, the shiny car disappearing down the street. I stood there a moment, the sky turning orange as the sun dipped low.